Hyderabad, Aug 23: Ever since his first-class debut, in 2005, Cheteshwar Pujara is known in India’s domestic circuit for his big hundreds. The sheer weight of his runs and the way in which he scored them, convinced his watchers that he will, one day, occupy the coveted No.3 position in India’s Test batting line-up – the position that a certain Rahul Sharad Dravid had made his own for 16 years.

The day came for Pujara and he made his Test debut in 2010, against Australia in Bangalore. Dravid was still there but Pujara still batted at No.3. Everything looked like it was going according to the script. But it changed. A knee injury pushed Pujara on the sidelines. The injuries kept coming and he spent the most of 2011 in rehabilitation.

However, hard work, focus and mental toughness remained his best friends during this period of struggle and helped him make a successful comeback into the Test team. In the first innings of his comeback Test, Pujara scored his maiden Test century, batting at No.3, in the place of the retired Rahul Dravid.

During his interaction with the media after Day 1 of the Hyderabad Test, Pujara refused to accept that he can ever replace his hero. He was just happy to be back in the Test team and play the sport he loves so much.

Excerpts:

On his mood after the century

Obviously, really happy. It’s a dream to start off afresh like this. I wanted to make a hundred on my Test debut, but I missed it. I’m really satisfied that I got my maiden hundred.

On replacing Rahul Dravid

I don’t think I can ever replace Rahul Dravid. He’s such a legend, has scored 10,000-plus runs in both formats and it’s impossible to replace him. I just wanted to play my natural game. I was not under any kind of pressure because I had good preparation and knew what was coming. And I believe it’s my preparation that has helped me score these runs.

On whether he was happy with the way he paced his innings?

Things worked well for me. The wicket was very slow after lunch and so was the outfield, so we had to wait for the loose balls. I was happy with the way I paced my innings.

On being stuck on 95 for a while and then losing Virat Kohli at the other end.

At times, things do get frustrating but you have to have patience. That’s what Test cricket is all about. I was mentally tough enough to handle that kind of situation.

On whether he was prepared to bat at No.3

I knew that I was going to bat at No.3 and hence my preparation was up to the mark. I have batted at that position for Saurashtra and also at times, opened the innings for my club. I have plenty of experience batting one down. The experience that I’ve had in domestic cricket made a difference.

On coming back after a tough period marred by injuries

Once you go through such periods, you become mentally tougher and your hunger for the game goes up. I suffered two injuries and was out of the game for a year. It was a frustrating time for me as well as my family. But in my heart I always knew that I will be back on the field to play the game I love the most.

On hitting a six in Test cricket

Even in the domestic circuit I’ve hit many sixes. Since the last three-four years my game has been very aggressive and my strike-rate is between 60 and 70. Somehow, there’s this image built about me being a defensive batsman and more suitable for Test cricket. But I do play many attacking shots and that’s the reason why I hit that six.

On how he approached the innings with Virat Kohli, after Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir and Sachin Tendulkar were back into the hut

When Virat came in, we had a conversation and he asked me what the ball was doing and how the wicket was behaving. We decided to get set first and then play our shots when they [New Zealand players] get tired. It was really humid after lunch. So, the initial plan was to build a partnership and then capitalise from there.

On the plan for Day 2

The first target is to put up 400 on the board and then individually, if i can score a double hundred, it will be great.

On dedicating his maiden Test ton

I’d like to dedicate this to my father because he has been working really hard on me ever since my childhood. He went through some tough time in his life – he had a bypass surgery – and he’s still coaching me. I’m very thankful to him and would like to dedicate this to both my parents.